Transformations

A few weeks ago I developed a new semi-obsessive interest in silver plated spoons.  (Did you see my last post?)  Since then I've scoured second-hand shops and rummage sales for vintage utensils, the older the better.  I've got some ideas for Christmas ornaments and jewelry, but for now I am having a lot of fun hammering the spoons flat and embellishing them with stamped words and phrases.

Each piece is absolutely unique and full of character, bearing many marks and imperfections. 

I think a lot about spiritual parallels when I work in my studio.  When altering these spoons I remember that they were uncared for and discarded until I purchased them, seeing the potential each one held.  Despite their layers of tarnish and grime, I believed that each one could be transformed into something new and beautiful in its own right.  Do you see where I'm going with this?

I can't think of a better illustration of the transforming love of Christ.  Even in our lowest moments He sees our potential.  He looks far beyond our imperfections and sees something beautiful.  He values us so greatly that He gave His life as the purchase price. 

That's a big message for a little spoon to carry and it was a huge cross for one man to bear.  I hope today you know how valuable and full of potential you are.  In the capable hands of our Creator, marks left by hurt, shame and regret are not only redeemed, but transformed.  Our scars become an essential part of our character and beauty.

Shiny Things and Food for Thought

This will be a quick post.  Today is a mom day, as I am leaving in a few to chaperone my son's field trip.  I just want to share some pictures of my first attempts at silversmithing.  I am still on cloud nine after my class last week.  My first project was a pair of shiny, dangly earrings...so much fun to wear!

Each project was designed to teach certain skills...sawing, grinding, and lots and lots of soldering:

On the final day, we were able to put a little more of our "selves" into a project as we designed our own stone and wire pendants.  I went for an asymmetrical, dynamic design and was pleased with the results:

Back when I was in art school I remember walking by the silversmith studios and thinking to myself, "What could you possibly do with such a degree?"  It seemed like a lot of  fun, but entirely impractical.  I just didn't know the possibilities.

As I consider this, I realize I have that attitude about a lot of things.  I tend to take the safe road, believing that the "fun stuff" would get me nowhere.  But what if the fun stuff is fun to me because I was born to do it?

Hmmm... food for thought as I take off to spend the afternoon with 300 junior high band students.  Have a great day!

Below and Above

This photograph, taken at the edge of our pond, represents to me our human potential. Were it only an image of the surface it would be nothing special...just a bunch of sticks and bubbles. But light has illuminated the scene in two ways:

1.) The sunlight reveals what is beneath the surface - what would usually be hidden. There is both beauty (suprising color and form) and yuck (the refuse of rotting vegetation). Isn't this like our own interiors? Beneath our "surface" is a complex collection of experiences, thoughts and emotions...many things unseen by others, yet part of who we are.

2.) The reflection shows us what is above. No matter what lies beneath our surface, we are born to reflect something much greater and more beautiful than we could hope to be. In a still moment even pond water, and all that is within it, becomes an image of heaven above.